Shelby County Today

Center Volunteer Fire Department representatives holding the check surrounded by Portacool Employees. Photos submitted by Portacool.

December 20, 2024 - Portacool, LLC made donations to two local organization. The Center Volunteer Fire Department was presented with $5,000 and Noble Children's Services was presented with socks.

A company representative shared, "Portacool is proud to give back to our community this holiday season through a couple of recent initiatives. Portacool donated to the Center Volunteer Fire Department, recognizing their unwavering dedication to keeping our community safe. Additionally, we hosted a sock drive for Noble Children's Services to help provide warmth and comfort to the children of Shelby County. At Portacool, we believe in giving back and strengthening our community, especially during this special time of year."

Noble Children's Serives with Portacool Employees. Photos submitted by Portacool.

Photo submitted by Portacool

December 19, 2024 - Portacool, LLC donated $5,000 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 in Center, Texas with CEO Ben Wulf making the presentation. The company for many years has supported veterans who have served our country and shown appreciation for their service and sacrifice by way of donations and luncheons.

A company representative shared, "At Portacool, giving back to our community is at the heart of everything we do. We proudly support the Shelby County VFW Post 8904 with a meaningful donation to honor their dedication to serving our veterans and preserving their legacy. We must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them. Thank you for your service to this great country."

December 17, 2024 - (Photo Album) - Excelsior ISD Choir members, and Tim Verner, were once again the headliner at the 1885 Shelby County Historic Courthouse for the second year running on December 16, 2024 during an open house event.

The presentation was held in the courtroom on the second floors, and Shelby County Judge Allison Harbison welcomed the children who made up the choir and then she addressed the audience.

“We are so excited that we’re having our second annual Christmas caroling from Excelsior School,” said Judge Harbison. “So glad to have you here today to hear these beautiful kids sing beautiful songs of Christmas.”

The audience was treated to several classic Christmas carols including “Blue Christmas,” “Jingle Bells,”Oh, Christmas Tree,” and many more.

The event was hosted by the William Carroll Crawford Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, who are also the docents of the courthouse, and who decorated the courthouse for the holiday season.

Judge Harbison thanked the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce for their help and stated that without them the event couldn't have happened.

After the singing was complete, the choir was invited to the lower floor for cookies and punch.

December 16, 2024 - Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8904 presented Teacher of the Year Awards last week to three teachers. Each was given a framed certificate and a check for $200.

• Pre-K to grade 5, Mayra Lopez, Center Elementary School.
• Jr. High School, grades 6 to 8, Amanda Freeman, Joaquin Jr. High School.
• High School, grades 9 to 12, Heaven Umbrell, Joaquin High School.

Teacher of the Year Mayra Lopez in the middle with VFW members L-R, Jr. Vice Derrick Roberts, Quartermaster Mary Roberts, Post Commander Mike Wulf, and life member Ray Miller.

Teacher of the Year Amanda Freeman with her students and VFW Post Commander Mike Wulf and life member Ray Miller. Assistant Principal April Gates on the far left.

Teacher of the Year Heaven Umbrell with her students and Assistant Principal April Gates on the far right. Post life member Ray Miller to the left of Umbrell and Post Commander Mike Wulf to the right of Umbrell.